The stage 12 crash in Chalon-sur-Saône has forced Fernando Gaviria and Jenno Berckmoes out of the Tour de France, with both riders suffering broken collarbones.
Gaviria, riding for Caja Rural-Seguros RGA, went down during the chaotic final sprint. The Colombian finished the stage in 151st place, but medical checks after the finish confirmed a fractured left collarbone.
Caja Rural announced his withdrawal shortly after the stage. The team said post-stage tests confirmed the original concern and ended Gaviria’s race.
Teammate Stefano Oldani said he spoke with Gaviria from the crash scene until they reached the team bus. Oldani said Gaviria had taken a heavy impact and repeatedly complained of collarbone pain.
The crash came at the end of a stage won by Tim Merlier of Soudal Quick-Step. Olav Kooij of Decathlon CMA CGM finished second, with Jasper Philipsen of Alpecin-Premier Tech third.
Stage 12 crash brings further withdrawals
Gaviria was contesting his third Tour de France. He has won two Tour stages during his career and has previously worn the yellow jersey.
His exit also cuts short Caja Rural’s return to the Tour de France. The Spanish ProTeam is back at the race after a 37-year absence.
Lotto-Intermarché also lost Jenno Berckmoes after the same incident. Sports director Kurt Van de Wouwer told Sporza that Berckmoes had broken his collarbone.
Berckmoes, 25, also reached the finish despite crashing. He crossed the line in 155th before the team confirmed he could not continue.
Van de Wouwer said Berckmoes’ father was at the race and that they would travel to Herentals that evening. He also noted that Berckmoes had struggled in the heat during the opening week.
The Lotto-Intermarché director said Berckmoes had felt much better on stage 12. He pointed to the rider’s attack on a short climb as evidence of improving form.
Godon set for checks after back pain
Dorian Godon of Netcompany-Ineos also appeared badly affected by the crash. The former French champion finished 148th on the stage after the pile-up.
His teammate Kévin Vauquelin told Eurosport that Godon looked in trouble immediately after the incident. Vauquelin said Godon was complaining about back pain and would undergo checks.
Netcompany-Ineos had not issued an official medical update on Godon after the stage, according to the available post-race information.
Van Mechelen relegated after sprint review
The race jury reviewed the finale and sanctioned Vlad Van Mechelen of Bahrain Victorious. Officials ruled that the Belgian deviated from his sprinting line and caused Gaviria’s crash.
Van Mechelen originally crossed the finish line in 17th place. After the relegation, the jury placed him 144th on the stage.
Speaking to Sporza, Van Mechelen said he only felt contact on his rear wheel and lost speed. He said he did not initially understand what had happened.
The Belgian added that he only grasped the seriousness of the crash after watching footage later. He denied making a deliberate move in the sprint.
Van Mechelen said he was focused on reaching the finish and did not feel he had done anything wrong. He described the incident as something that can happen in a hectic finale.
The consequences were immediate for Gaviria and Berckmoes, whose Tours ended despite both riders finishing the stage. Godon’s condition remained subject to further assessment after the high-speed finale.